Ecosystems are broadly categorized into two main types: terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Main Types of Ecosystems
- Terrestrial Ecosystems : These exist on land and include:
- Forest ecosystems (tropical rainforests, temperate forests, boreal forests/taiga, deciduous forests, mangrove forests, montane forests)
- Grassland ecosystems (temperate grasslands, savannas, steppes, pampas)
- Desert ecosystems
- Tundra ecosystems
- Mountain (Alpine) ecosystems
- Aquatic Ecosystems : These occur in water and are further divided into:
- Freshwater ecosystems (rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, estuaries)
- Marine ecosystems (oceans, coral reefs, kelp forests, deep sea, mangroves)
Additional Classification
- Natural ecosystems : Occur naturally without human intervention, including both terrestrial and aquatic types.
- Artificial ecosystems : Created and maintained by humans, such as crop fields, aquariums, gardens, and parks
Summary of Common Ecosystem Types
Ecosystem Type| Description| Examples
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Forest| Dominated by trees, diverse species| Tropical rainforest, taiga,
deciduous forest
Grassland| Dominated by grasses, supports grazing animals| Savannas, steppes,
temperate grasslands
Desert| Dry, sparse vegetation| Hot deserts, cold deserts
Tundra| Cold, treeless, mosses and small shrubs| Arctic tundra, alpine tundra
Freshwater| Non-saline water bodies| Rivers, lakes, wetlands
Marine| Saltwater environments| Oceans, coral reefs, kelp forests
Mountain (Alpine)| High elevation, harsh climate| Rocky Mountains, Himalayas
These ecosystem types represent distinct communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, each with unique characteristics and species adapted to their conditions
